Mothers as the Divinity Around the World

The day dedicated to the Mother – Happy Mothers Day (Mutterstag). Mother is the source of life, compassion, unconditional love and grace. Mother is a symbol of power, love and mentioned above gods in many cultures around the world. Here are 5 sacred and beloved mothers (in addition to our own mothers) from different cultures around the world.

Durga

Durga with Ganesha painting by Anil Das

Durga is the supreme Mother Goddess in Hinduism who represents unified divine energy. In addition to her compassion, Durga is a fierce destroyer of injustice. When evil forces threatened the existence of the gods, they came together to bring Durga into being — only she had the power to defeat the demons and save the gods. To her worshippers, Durga removes fear and obstacles and always aids those who call on her.

Tara

Mother Tara Sitting on celestial Lotus

Among her many traits, the Buddhist goddess Tara is often referred to as the “Mother of all Buddhas.” She embodies compassion, wisdom and purity, and in some depictions, she has seven eyes that allow her to see all the suffering in the world. Some worshippers refer to her as Mother Tara, whose love is even greater than a mother’s for her children.

Isis

Isis represented with kite’s wings

Isis is an ancient Egyptian goddess, associated with the earlier goddess Hathor, who became the most popular and enduring of all the Egyptian deities. Her name comes from the Egyptian Eset, (“the seat”) which referred to her stability and also the throne of Egypt as she was considered the mother of every pharaoh through the king’s association with Horus, Isis’ son.

Demeter

Demeter, the Greek Mother Earth Goddess

Demeter is a goddess from the ancient Greek pantheon whose name literally means “Earth Mother” (or in some translations, “Corn Mother.”) Demeter presides over farming and agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grains. She is also revered as the devoted mother of Persephone and for searching far and wide for her daughter who was captured by Hades.

Virgin Mary

Wall painting of Virgin Mary

Though not considered to be a goddess, the Virgin Mary hold the key role of the sacred mother in the Christian faith. Like her son, Mary came into the world through a miraculous conception, and her role in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection make her a highly venerated figure among Christians, and particularly among Catholics.

Hence, we know how important are the mothers around the world. On this special Day, we wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day from Yoga Shala Heidelberg. If you have ideas or want to add more, please comment below.